Consultation on proposals for land at Burwood and Ashburton

Wednesday July 10, 2013

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The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is seeking public feedback on proposals to allow the private development Integrated Family Health Centres (IFHCs) at the Burwood and Ashburton Hospital sites.

Carolyn Gullery, Canterbury District Health Board General Manager Planning and Funding, says the proposals are all part of the district health board's vision of transforming the way we design, deliver and fund health services.

"It's important that there are a range of local solutions and models of care to address the unique needs and circumstances of Canterbury's population.

Integrated Family Health Centres can play an important role in providing increased access to a wider range of services," Carolyn says.

"Integrated Family Health Centres are facilities where teams of health and social services providers - including general practice, would work together to provide health services to an enrolled population. They can offer a wide range of services closer to home."

CDHB is interested in the community's views on whether land at Burwood Hospital, and land and facilities at Ashburton Hospital, should be used to develop new IFHCs, she says.

Carolyn says that the rationale behind the two proposed IFHCs differ.

"In Ashburton we are planning for the future and a new facility could help attract new staff to the area and support new ways of working. An Integrated Family Health Centre would also allow easy access to the services people use most often. This is particularly important with our ageing population," she says.

"For Burwood, the red-zoning of a substantial portion of Christchurch's eastern suburbs has had a significant impact on health services in the area. A drop in population numbers and damaged infrastructure is an issue for general practices and pharmacies, as well as for a number of other health providers in the area."

Carolyn says while the mix and type of services at the IFHCs would vary according to the needs of the local community, it is envisaged that both of the proposed facilities at Burwood and Ashburton would include general practice and community pharmacy services.

"As part of the consultation process we're asking the community what other services they would like to see included in the proposed Integrated Family Health Centres. Options include community nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy and social work or counselling services."

Feedback is sought from anyone who has an interest in this proposal, such as: families in the area who might use the proposed services; patients of current general practices in the area; health service providers and health professionals; local businesses and local agencies; support groups; and support services and people who work for those services.

You can make a submission online by completing the online questionnaire at www.cdhb.health.nz. Printed consultation documents and questionnaires will also be available at the main receptions of Burwood and Ashburton Hospitals, and the Ashburton Public Library. You can also email your comments to feedback@cdhb.health.nz.

All submissions must be received no later than 5pm Friday, 16 August 2013.

You can also have your say at public meetings for the proposed Burwood and Ashburton IFHCs:

Once consultation has closed, all responses will be analysed. A summary of the submissions will be presented to the Canterbury DHB's Board as part of a recommendation on whether or not Canterbury District Health Board should lease its land to support the private development of an Integrated Family Health Centre.

The summary of submissions will also be made available on the Canterbury District Health Board website www.cdhb.health.nz.